Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

I was shown that the work of health reform has scarcely been entered upon yet.While some feel deeply and act out their faith in the work, others remain indifferentand have scarcely taken the first step in reform. There seems to be in them a heart ofunbelief, and, as this reform restricts the lustful appetite, many shrink back. They haveother gods before the Lord. Their taste, their appetite, is their god; and when the axis laid at the root of the tree and those who have indulged their depraved appetites atthe expense of health are touched, their sin pointed out, their idols shown them, theydo not wish to be convinced; and although God’s voice should speak directly to themto put away those health-destroying indulgences, some would still cling to the hurtfulthings which they love. They seem joined to their idols, and God will soon say to Hisangels: Let them alone.The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel’s message and is justas closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body. I saw thatwe as a people must make an advance move in this great work. Ministers and peoplemust act in concert. God’s people are not prepared for the loud cry of the third angel.They have a work to do for themselves which they should not leave for God to dofor them. He has left this work for them to do. It is an individual work; one cannotdo it for another. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanseourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear ofGod.” Gluttony is the prevailing sin of this age. Lustful appetite makes slaves of menand women, and beclouds their intellects and stupefies their moral sensibilities to sucha degree that the sacred, elevated truths of God’s word are not appreciated. The lowerpropensities have ruled men and women.In order to be fitted for translation, the people of God must know themselves. Theymust understand in regard to their486